Behind the hazardous smog: illegal fires in Sumatra

The illegal burning of land to make way for new plantings of pulp timber and palm oil trees is a regular occurrence on Indonesia's Sumatra Island, where many of the lucrative crops are grown.

The smoke haze that comes with it has become a normal part of life for Indonesians living in the area.

However, the massive cloud of pollution has this year reached unprecedented levels in neighbouring countries, creating condemnation of the country and a practice many say should have been stopped.

Riau province has recently found itself at the centre of attention for all the wrong reasons.

It has long been a hotbed for the illegal practice of slashing and burning during the dry season, when the land can be cleared cheaply and easily.

This year, environmental group Eyes on the Forest says there were more than 6,700 fire hotspots in the area during the month of June.

But it wasn't until the smoke created a noxious haze over Singapore and Malaysia that the Indonesian government took action, apologising to its neighbours and assuming responsibility for putting out the fires.

Investigations have started and police in the area have arrested ten people.